Define an item barcode format

To produce more consistent barcode messages in Polaris, define both item and patron barcodes.

To define an item barcode:

1. In the Administration Explorer tree view, open the Profiles folder for the organization, and select the Staff Client tab in the details view.
2. Double-click Barcodes: Item format definition.



3. In the Length box, specify the total number of characters required in the barcode, including the prefix:
• To require a specific number of characters, type a number from 1 to 20.
• Type * if the barcode can be any length.
4. In the Prefix box, type the characters that can begin a valid barcode:
• Type any character or sequence of characters that uniquely identifies the barcode type.

  Note:
  The Polaris API does not support the plus symbol (+) in barcodes.

• Type * to accept any character as the prefix.
5. Click Add to put the definition in the Current Formats list.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 for every barcode format used for items.
7. Click OK. The Item Barcode Formats dialog box closes.

Related Information

• Defining patron barcode formats - See Define a patron barcode format.
• Significant digits in patron barcodes - You can specify a default patron barcode format to use in defining significant digits. Staff and patrons can enter just the significant digits in a barcode field, and the system supplies the prefix. See Significant Digits in Patron Barcodes.